Morning Mindset Shift

It is so easy to worry. I find it takes no effort at all. As soon as the alarm goes off in the morning, worries flood my brain: work, money, health, relationships, politics, sports teams—it all seems to hit in the first minute. Then come the emotions of sadness and the physical feeling of exhaustion. You sit there and realize it’s only two minutes after the alarm has gone off.

If I leave these thoughts unaddressed, I’ll start my day upset and bitter. So, I have to put in the effort—effort to be thankful.

In this moment, I am experiencing cognitive distortion. This is a negative, irrational thought pattern that hinders my growth. I need to put forth the effort to be thankful and not allow it to co-exist with all of my emotions.

Reflection Question for the Reader:

What is one thought pattern or emotion that tends to overwhelm you in the morning, and how might practicing gratitude help you shift your mindset?